Other special characters include Jingle, who always comes home for Christmas, and a new Easter visitor who will hide eggs all over town. The real-time factor is one of the best things the game has to offer, keeping the gameplay fresh and new characters coming. I'm sure we'll see many more familiar faces and won't be missing anyone from the GameCube and DS versions. Or so we hope!

The game will include hundreds of new objects never seen in previous versions. Much like in Wild World, players will also receive special items from Nintendo once in a while via WiiConnect 24. Those who can't get online with their Wiis will still be able to play with their friends and exchange items by downloading their town into the DS and then loading it into their friends' Nintendo Wii.

Graphics wise, the game hasn't changed a whole lot. I'd dare to say it basically looks the same as on the DS, except this time it's on a big screen and with 480p resolution. Textures have remained intact and typical objects like trees, rocks, etc. haven't changed either. This issue, coupled with the overly simplistic controls, is my biggest complaint thus far. I would have liked to see a visual upgrade. Instead, we'll continue to get the almost two-dimensional, top-side view, which isn't always the most convenient. I also hate having to go all around the edge of a hill and look for stairs to go down instead of being able to jump to the lower level. Luckily, my town on the DS only has one level!

The controls are very simple and work well. The only problem is that motion-sensing hasn't been implemented for activities like fishing, digging, or catching bugs. This will still be done with the push of a button. If you play without the Nunchuk, you can use the pointer to tell the character where to go and then use the face buttons for different actions (running, using an object, entering menus, etc). When you attach a Nunchuk to the Wii Remote, the control stick will move the character, A will be used for actions, and B to speed up.

The inventory screen is almost the same as in previous installments, which in this case is a good thing, since it's what players are used to. Also unchanged are the typical sounds of the game and the funny gibberish talk. Decorating your home and getting a good score from the Happy Room Academy (now with city headquarters) will also remain one of the main goals. It's important to keep a good balance between tradition and innovation, and I think better visuals and motion-sensitive controls would have sealed the deal. However, everything else is very exciting and there's no doubt in my mind that this game will completely satisfy Animal Crossing fans and keep them busy for years to come. Yes that's it! Years!

By
Maria Montoro
CCC Site Director

Game Features:

There's always something new to do: In the living, breathing world of Animal Crossing: City Folk, days and seasons pass in real time, so there's always something to discover.

Up to four people from your household can live and work together to build the perfect town. Design clothes and patterns, write letters and post messages on the bulletin board for each other, or invite up to three friends to visit your town using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

With the new WiiSpeak microphone, it's like you're all in the same room. The microphone sits atop the sensor bar and picks up the conversation of everyone in the room to encourage a more inclusive experience.

Express your personal style: Customize your town, your house, and yourself by collecting bugs, fish, fossils, art, furniture, clothes, and accessories. You can also go to the salon in the city to change your hairstyle and get a Mii makeover.

Get to know your neighbors: The heart of Animal Crossing: City Folk is building relationships with the animals in your town as well as with other players. Befriend your animal neighbors by exchanging letters, gifts, and favors.